Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award facts for kids

The Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award, presented by The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents of the National Council of Teachers of English (ALAN), is an annual award in the United States for a book that exemplifies literary excellence, widespread appeal, and a positive approach to life in young adult literature. It is named for Amelia Elizabeth Walden who died in Westport, Connecticut in 2002 and was a pioneer in the field of Young Adult Literature. The national award is presented annually to the author of a title selected by ALAN's Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Committee.

Criteria

The selection committee composed of ten The Assembly on Literature for Adolescents (ALAN) members (3 teachers, 3 university professors, 3 librarians, and 1 chair) appointed by the previous year's chair and current ALAN President for a one-year term with the possibility of re-election for a second term. They award one winning title and honor up to four additional titles on their shortlist.

• Per Walden’s request

The selected title 'MUST:

1. be a work of fiction, ideally a novel (stand-alone or part of a series);
2. be published within one year prior to the call for titles;
3. be published in the United States but may have been published elsewhere prior; and
4. possess a positive approach to life, widespread teen appeal, and literary merit (please see below for additional guidance).

• A Positive Approach to Life

Submitted titles should:

• • treat teen readers as capable and thoughtful young people
  • offer hope and optimism, even when describing difficult circumstances
  • have a credible and appropriate resolution
  • portray characters involved in shaping their lives in a positive way, even as they struggle with the harsh realities of life
• Widespread Teen Appeal

Submitted titles should:

• • be intended expressly for readers aged 12–18
  • have universal themes that transcend time and place
  • have themes that resonate with a wide variety of readers, regardless of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation
  • provide readers with a window to the world and/or reflect their own experiences
• Literary Merit

Submitted titles should:

• • contain well-developed characters
  • employ well-constructed forms suitable to function
  • include language and literary devices that enhance the narrative
  • suggest cogent and richly-realized themes
  • present an authentic voice

Recipients